I Was an Art Star (Then I Wasn’t)
Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. I was that kid in art school who thought they were gonna change the world. You know the type. The one with the messy hair, paint under their nails, and a portfolio so thick it could double as a weapon. That was me. 2003, Parsons School of Design, New York City. I was unstoppable.
Then reality hit. Hard. Like a wet canvas to the face. Turns out, the art world isn’t all gallery openings and champagne toasts. It’s a lot of cold calls, unpaid internships, and eating ramen because, well, rent is due.
So, I did what any self-respecting, starving artist would do. I got a side hustle. And it saved my career.
But First, Let’s Talk About Marcus
Marcus (not his real name, because honestly, he might kill me for this) was my roommate senior year. He was a painter, big canvases, bold strokes, the whole nine yards. But he also waited tables at this tiny Italian place downtown. I remember asking him, “Marcus, why? You’re gonna be famous. Why waste your time slinging pasta?”
He looked at me, spatula in hand, and said, “Because, my friend, art doesn’t pay the bills. But pasta does.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Marcus taught me something important that day. Art is a passion, a calling, a fire in your belly. But it’s also a business. And like any business, it needs a steady income to survive. Even if that means serving up some carbonara on the side.
The Side Hustle Revolution
Fast forward to today. The gig economy is in full swing. Everyone’s got a side hustle. From driving for Uber to selling handmade candles on Etsy, people are making it work. And artists? We’re no exception.
I’ve seen friends become freelance graphic designers, others teach art classes online. One even started a blog about the struggles of being an artist (which, by the way, is hilarious and heartbreaking all at once). The point is, we’re adapting. We’re finding ways to make our art sustainable.
And let’s talk about the benefits. A side hustle can provide financial stability, sure. But it can also offer something just as valuable: connections. Networking opportunities. A chance to meet people who might just become your biggest supporters, or even clients.
But What About the Art?
Here’s where things get tricky. Because, let’s face it, art takes time. It takes energy. It takes a whole lotta coffee and late nights. And if you’re spending all your time on a side hustle, where does that leave your art?
I get it. I’ve been there. There have been weeks where I’ve spent more time on my freelance design gigs than on my own work. And it’s frustrating. It’s disheartening. It’s… well, it’s life.
But here’s the thing. A side hustle doesn’t have to be a distraction. It can be a source of inspiration. A way to fuel your art, not drain it. Think about it. If you’re designing websites for a living, maybe that’ll inspire a new digital art project. If you’re teaching art classes, maybe that’ll give you fresh ideas for your own work.
And look, I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s not. It’s a balancing act. A tightrope walk. A constant juggling act. But it’s possible. I promise.
The Tools of the Trade
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. The tools you need to make this work. Because, let’s be real, nobody’s got time for trial and error. We need the good stuff. The stuff that’s gonna make our lives easier, not harder.
First up, time management. You need a schedule. A routine. A way to keep track of your hours, your deadlines, your sanity. And honestly? I’m not sure but I think a good old-fashioned planner might just be the way to go. Or, if you’re more tech-savvy, there are alot of apps out there that can help. Like işletme otomasyon araçları inceleme (which, by the way, is a lifesaver for keeping track of projects and deadlines).
Next, communication. Because, let’s face it, nobody’s gonna pay you if they can’t reach you. So, get a professional email address. Set up a website. Be active on social media. And for the love of all that is holy, answer your phone when clients call.
And finally, self-care. Because, let’s be real, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to take care of yourself. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise. And for the love of all that is holy, take a break every now and then. Your art will thank you.
A Digression: The Time I Tried to Sell My Art on Etsy
Oh, boy. Where do I even start? So, about three months ago, I decided to give it a shot. I mean, how hard could it be? I’ve got art. People like art. Etsy loves art. It’s a match made in heaven, right?
Wrong.
Turns out, selling art online is a whole other beast. It’s not just about creating something beautiful. It’s about marketing. SEO. Keywords. Hashtags. It’s a completley different skill set. And honestly? I was in over my head.
But, I learned. I adapted. I found my niche. And slowly but surely, I started to see some succesfully. Not enough to quit my day job, but enough to keep me going. And honestly? It was worth it.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. The art world is tough. It’s competitive. It’s unpredictable. But it’s also beautiful. It’s inspiring. It’s worth fighting for.
And a side hustle? It’s not a crutch. It’s not a fallback plan. It’s a tool. A way to make your art sustainable. A way to keep creating, even when the going gets tough.
So, if you’re an artist struggling to make ends meet, I get it. I’ve been there. But don’t give up. Find a side hustle. Make it work for you. And most importantly, keep creating.
Because the world needs your art. And honestly? It needs your pasta too.
About the Author
Sarah Johnson is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s been published in various magazines and online platforms, and her art has been featured in galleries across the country. When she’s not writing or creating, she can be found exploring the city, trying out new recipes, or binge-watching her favorite TV shows. She’s a firm believer in the power of side hustles and is always on the lookout for new ways to make her art sustainable.
Delve into the vibrant world of urban expression with our latest feature, street art’s silent revolution, and discover why a touch of chaos can ignite creativity.
Delve into the complex relationship between creativity and well-being by exploring how art influences mental health in this thoughtful and inspiring article.
